Nah, I don't think I'd laugh, [he said, squeezing that hand nestled in his-- all affections were fine while they bathed in the privacy of the steam and each other's company. There would be no giggles between voyers and conspirators later on.]

But, if you'd rather hear my side of things first...

[Cliff pulled back and dared to look at Souji straight in the eyes.]

...You're funny, and your fierce like some kinda wild animal sometimes. You know how to make someone's day no matter how rough it is...

And you're strong. I don't need to worry about you getting hurt or falling behind. Even if you do, I know you'll give 'em hell and do what you can to make 'em regret it.

[He smiled. The very things he listed were the very reasons why he bothered with trying to find love back in his world. There were few that he could trust to be strong enough and self-sufficient enough to manage with him and his chosen line of work. While Quark wasn't an established party in Luceti, the dangers and risks with the nature of this world were the same-- and Souji, who had been here for five years and who seemed so broken and fragile sometimes, still managed to keep moving forward with a smile on his face despite these and any odds.

Cliff admired that strength, and his strength as a warrior.]